To the Edge of Athenia

House of Hyrax #0

by Arcadia Rayne

Five friends have found their family amongst each other, but each has now been drawn to the edge of their kingdom.

A Brawn is tasked with escorting his brother to a new home.

A Faerie must parade as the leader of a gang.

A Siren seeks to save his first love from an unwanted marriage.

A Truthseeker is lost on her way home.

A Witch comes face to face with destiny.

With a new power rising in Athenia, they’ll need to find their way back to each other sooner rather than later.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2024

About the author

Arcadia Rayne is a fantasy romance author based in Maryland.

Arcadia developed a passion for storytelling from a young age. After receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland, she went on to pursue a Master's and PhD at Boston University.

Arcadia is passionate about creating fantastical worlds with strong characters. She loves all the tropes. When she's not writing, Arcadia enjoys binging reality tv and crocheting.

Reviews

[🌺 Hannah 🌺 (very busy - grad school) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good addition to the series! I loved getting more of a backstory for all of the main characters. I also love that it’s suggested to read it after the first book because it fits so well into the storyline!

Iris’ story was so heartbreaking and amazing 😭 I loved all of them but hers especially (even more forbidden love)

Can’t wait to read the next one! 💕💕

[Simoné Wolmarans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow!! I was absolutely jumping to get back into this series as ‘The Rose in the Shadows’ was one of my favorite reads this year.

Arcadia Rayne did not disappoint. To the Edge of Athenia brings so much detail and depth to these characters that I absolutely love and some I absolutely love to hate. I loved the multiple POV’s giving us just enough of each character. Clay… holy goodness. Yes please!!

So much tension and anticipation. Beautifully written as always with amazing character development. A little bit of 🌶️ and a whole lot of excitement for the next book!!

I can’t wait to be back in this world.

[Shann ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so ready to jump back into this world & TTEA did not disappoint. I’m so grateful to be chosen as an ARC reader.

This novella was the perfect addition to the House of Hyrax series. It gave some additional world building & some great character development/background. This book is multi pov, giving us stories from the 5 main supporting characters from RITS. Iris story was definitely my favorite, I could’ve read a whole book just about her. Now I’m even more excited for the next book!

Overall I just love Arcadia Rayne’s writing! Her world building is easy to follow, but not simple. Her magic system is unique but similar to a Greek mythos giving it a foundation to grasp quicker. The plot moves very naturally & her characters are written so well. She has officially became an ‘insta-buy author’ for me. I will continue to recommend her books to everyone I know lol.

[Brooke Rothenbuhler · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

To The Edge of Athenia is the prequel to The Rose in the Shadows. It is a novella about the side characters from the first book. We get to learn more about what they were doing before the events in The Rose in the Shadows.

This really helped me understand them more and some of their motivations. I even felt sympathy for a character that I didn’t expect! And hello new book boyfriend? He better make an appearance in the next book. If you read the first book and wanted a bit more spice then you will enjoy this one! I thought it had the perfect amount. I preferred certain characters chapters over some, but I enjoyed their POVs!

I highly recommend reading this after The Rose in the Shadows. It comes out on August 22nd. Thank you to Arcadia Rayne for giving me the arc.

[Cassandra Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

To The Edge of Athenia
5/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

•••Spoiler free review below•••

The Rose in the Shadows is a recent favorite fantasy read of mine that I’ve been raving about to anyone who will listen. I will admit I was ✨very✨ pouty to learn I’d have to wait for the continuation until 2025. But then…omg…I read this prequel…and now I’m like???? How about you just give me daily updates on these amazing characters, Arcadia???

I definitely recommend reading The Rose in the Shadows before diving into this prequel. It won’t disappoint and is a wonderful lead-up to book 1. It’s hard to pick which character is my favorite but I will always love a witchy girl and I simply cannot wait for more Camilla in The Crown of the Dark Prince.

Read this book if you like:
-multi-POV
-side characters who are the main characters
-pining
-interesting magic
-court dynamics
-even more compelling side characters

To the Edge of Athenia will be released on August 22nd! If it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
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Special thanks to the author for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

Review on Instagram

[Krista Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect novella that dives into the backstories of five side characters (Iris, Rankor, Camilla, Kent and Lorelei) from Arcadia Rayne’s 5 Star novel, "The Rose in the Shadows." Each chapter unfolds the personal histories of these characters, revealing their motivations, struggles and opening up all new perspectives of who they are. Each chapter left me craving more as the author was transforming what were once peripheral figures into fully realized individuals. This novella not only enriches your understanding of their roles in the original story but also adds emotional depth that has me excited to jump back into The Rose in the Shadows for a re-read.

Arcadia Rayne has once again written a fantastic story and has made To The Edge of Athenia a must-read and reminds us that every character has a story worth telling, and this novella beautifully illustrates that truth.

[Gabi Koz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ !!

I really loved getting to know the characters from The Rose in the Shadows & their backgrounds!

I fell in love with Kent, Iris, Lorelai, Rankor, & EVEN CAMILLA! Their back stories were so interesting and truly NOT what I was expecting. Found family is my favorite trope, so now I am even more attached to these characters moving into book 2 & I absolutely cannot wait 😍

THANK YOU ARCADIA RAYNE for the advanced reader copy 💗

[Brandy Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rose in the Shadows was good but this was even better!

A super quick read with multi POV it’s a wild ride and I was able to connect with each character and excited to learn more about their story. Normally I don’t love a book with to many POVs but this was done so well.

There’s one MMC is particular I would LOVE to see more of, I won’t say who so not to leave spoilers:)

The tension and character development kept me hooked the entire time and I didn’t want to put it down.

Tropes:

✨ secret identity
✨ assassins
✨ witches
✨ unique magic
✨ forced proximity (done differently)
✨ found family
✨ 🌶️🌶️ perfect amount of spice

[Amanda Wolfe Shults · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Arcadia for allowing me to read this novella prior to release!

I did enjoy learning more about the Athenia friend group, but felt that something was missing. However, when the second book in the House of Hyrax releases, I will have a better understanding of each character which I appreciate!

Looking forward to reading more by Arcadia Rayne.

[123_Romantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
2🌶️

I pondered whether I wanted to read this prequel after book 1. I mostly don’t like jumping back in time for series but the author noted to read after book 1.

I’m glad I read this. It was a good time read. I loved getting a little background on all my favorite side characters. And I think some of these storylines and characters we meet may come back around in the next books, so I think it’s important to read.

Iris’s and Rankor’s stories were probably my favorite to read. I have a feeling for sure Iris’s story is going to come back into play but I hope we see more of Rankor and his brother too. His was such a sweet story.

There is a little spice in here 🌶️ once again, something I think may come back around in future books (or at least I hope so 😜)

Overall a great little prequel novella that’s fast paced and gives us more of all our little circle of friends.

[Cara Williams-Nagle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arcadia has set up such great characters in The Rose in the Shadows so getting all their backgrounds was everything idk I needed.

I fell back in love with all the character (Kent, Iris, Lorelei, Rankor) but who I was surprised about actually enjoying was Camilla. I wasn’t ready for any of their back stories and they were so interesting and went expecting any of them.

Best part of this book was the found family. This trope has quickly become my favorite. This little friend group is life and I cannot wait until book 2!

Also you guys this prequel ends right where book 1 starts. I would still recommend reading book The Rose in the Shadow first and then coming to read this.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a solid 4.75. I didn't love it as much as RITS, but I loved getting the backstory of the main characters (minus thea). I love how it ended right where RITS starts!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ I absolutely adored The Rose in the Shadows, and this was the perfect prequel novel. It did not disappoint!

This was a multi POV that was super easy to follow and I loved getting more insight into the back stories of all of the side characters. This made me view them in a different light and truly understand the motivations behind their actions in The Rose in the Shadows.

Arcadia is an amazing writer all around, but her character development and easy to understand world building is my favorite thing about her writing!

[Alex Hodgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was chosen as an ARC reader for the second book written in the House of Hyrax series, which is the prequel. This follows five friends from RITS book 1, Camilla, Iris, Lorelei, Kent, and Rankor. I really did enjoy this book getting to know more about these five characters and their back story, motivations, emotions, etc. Iris’s storyline was my favorite. I CANNOT be the only one who enjoyed that dynamic.. excited to see how that dynamic could potentially come out in the future (because I love it for her). The other’s storylines were good, I just felt connected to Iris’s as it had more twists/turns and action.

Some of my favorite lines:
🖤 “She wanted everything. She wanted to cry and scream and laugh all at once. She was burning alive, and he was the only one who could stop it.”

🖤 “The experience of living.”

🖤 “Maybe you’re not used to people seeing the darkness in you. Maybe I was just the first person who saw it, accepted it, and joined you in it.”

Thank you for yet another ARC read!! I can’t wait for the next one!

[JMerlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the pre building and mythology of this series. This is a well thought and well written prequel to the series and helps flesh out characters and purposes. Easy read and under 300 pages.

[Shana Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll love this book if you like:
Multi-POV, Mental health representation, Long lost love, Grumpy/sunshine, Captive Romance, Touch her and "X" , “My wife”, Magical discoveries, Adventure journey
Release Date: August 22nd, 2024
Spice Level: Two Chili-Peppers

This fantasy/romantasy series an absolute must-read!! If you haven’t read The House of Hyrax series Book 1 - The Rose in the Shadows, you will want to pick that up first, then pick this one up on pre-order or when it releases. To The Edge of Athenia is a great, quick read that will leave you wanting more and don't worry - there's more coming.

This novel gives us the back stories of Iris, Kent, Lorelai, Rankor and Camilla, before the last descendant of Hyrax arrived. I love how we get to know more about each character as they as deserved to have their story told. The storytelling is fabulous and just draws you in. Arcadia has become one of the best fantasy/romantasy authors out there and I will read anything she writes!

Iris – A Faerie who goes on he first mission for The Order and must parade as the leader of a gang. What she finds there – well, let’s just say he was quite surprised.

Kent – a Siren seeks to save his first love from an unwanted marriage. He knows that she isn’t happy but wait til he finds out why…

Lorelai – a Truthseeker is lost on her way back to the castle and meets an unlikely savior of sorts who shows her what it’s like outside the security of the castle.

Rankor – a Brawn tasked with escorting his brother to a new home after the passing of their mother. On the journey they run into some trouble and in that moment when Rankor needed him the most, his brother possessed an inner strength that couldn’t be taught.

Camilla – a Witch comes face to face with destiny. Camilla’s grandmother is powerful and uses a summoning charm to bring her back home. We learn a lot about all the evil she had to endure at the hands of her grandmother and her cousin.

I can't wait for Book 2!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

To The Edge of Athenia was definitely an interesting return to this world and a fun way to deepen the larger story.

As a multi-POV fantasy prequel novella, this book offers separate glimpses into five different characters and the paths that pull them to the edges of the kingdom. Because each storyline focuses on a different character and situation, it did feel a little disjointed at times, but that’s also part of what makes it unique. Rather than one continuous plotline, it reads more like interconnected snapshots that expand the world and characters in meaningful ways.

What I appreciated most was how much more I understand these characters now. Getting inside multiple perspectives added depth to personalities, motivations, and relationships that make the broader series even richer. It felt like spending extra time with people I already wanted to know more about.

I think Iris’ story may have been my favorite. There was something especially compelling about her journey, and it stood out in a collection of stories that each brought something different to the table.

The fantasy setting continues to be intriguing, and this novella does a nice job of adding context and emotional texture to the series as a whole. If you enjoy companion stories that build lore and character backstory, this is a worthwhile read.

Overall, To The Edge of Athenia is an engaging prequel that may feel a bit fragmented in structure, but rewards readers with stronger character insight and more time in an interesting world.

Spice Note: one chapter, no ch numbers

[Sierra Bonn · Rating 5 out of 5]

To The Edge of Athenia is the captivating prequel to Arcadia Rayne’s bestselling House of Hyrax series. The story follows five friends, each drawn to the farthest reaches of their kingdom, Athenia. With their destinies intertwined, they face individual challenges that threaten to pull them apart just as a new power begins to rise in Athenia. The tale weaves together the journeys of a Brawn, a Faerie, a Siren, a Truthseeker, and a Witch, each confronting their own fate while trying to find their way back to each other.

🦋 romance, drama, & political intrigue
🦋 multiple POVs
🦋 character development & backgrounds
🦋 prequel in a series - House of Hyrax!

Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Arcadia Rayne crafts an enthralling prequel that sets the stage for the House of Hyrax series with stunning world-building and character development. To The Edge of Athenia is a blend of adventure, magic, and emotional depth, exploring the tests of fate.

The narrative shifts between the five protagonists, each of whom is pursuing n adventure of their own. The stakes are high, and the pacing is perfectly balanced between heart-pounding action and reflective moments of personal development.

This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and character-driven stories. To The Edge of Athenia is not just a prequel but a standalone tale that enriches the lore of the House of Hyrax universe. I was fully immersed from start to finish — I read it in one sitting, I couldn’t get enough (especially of Nikolai, iykyk😉)

[Jamie Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨NOTE:✨
While this is the second book released in the “House of Hyrax” series it serves as a prequel.

✨FUN FACT:✨
Writing this book was not the initial plan for the House of Hyrax but the author found that the characters demanded that this book be written.
And we are so glad she listened!

✨ What It’s About✨

Five friends have found their family amongst each other, but each has now been drawn to the edge of their kingdom.

🦋A Brawn is tasked with escorting his brother to a new home.

🦋A Faerie must parade as the leader of a gang.

🦋A Siren seeks to save his first love from an unwanted marriage.

🦋A Truthseeker is lost on her way home.

🦋A Witch comes face to face with destiny.

With a new power rising in Athenia, they’ll need to find their way back to each other sooner rather than later.

✨My Thoughts:✨

I was so excited to dive back into Athena and the world that the author has created.
I really enjoyed this prequel novel and learning more back stories about our characters from the first novel. And I am left itching for MORE!!!

Thank you so much again to the author for giving me the honour of being an e-book ARC reviewer for this book. 📖

Is it too soon to ask the release date of the third novel “The Crown of the Dark Prince”? 👑🖤🤴🏻

Tropes:
🗡️#SecretIdentity
🗡️#Assassins
🗡️#MentalHealth
🗡️#ForcedProximity
🗡️#FoundFamily
🗡️#MultiplePOVs
🗡️#Prequel
🗡️#GrumpySunshine

✨Genres:✨
💙#Fantasy
🖤#Romance
💙#Witches
🖤#Romantasy

[Ashley Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved to get to read stories about the characters from The Rose in the Shadows. Sometimes when a prequel comes out too early in a series, it doesn't make much sense since you don't get to know enough of the characters or understand their story, but Rayne is a master weaver of stories and manages to thread together all five characters stories flawlessly so that are you able to fall even more in love with these character who are supporting in TRITS but full of so much spunk and fun. You can see how much they mean to each other in the first book, but this shows you the why and where they come from. This was placed into the series lineup at the right time. The Easter eggs hidden in this small book have such an impact later that it had me looking around at my family wanting to gasp and tell them I had found them the whole time.

Throughout the short stories of these characters, you felt completely immersed and all emotions washing over you as you went on the journeys with them. You truly came to understand how their personalities were shaped from the events shared with us in between the covers of this novella.

While I suggest reading TRITS first, you could absolutely pick this one up first and learn to loves these character then fall even more in love with their continued antics with the main characters in the next books!

Pick up and fall in love with this book (and the series) if you love: multiple points of view, found family, magic, secret identity, abandoned love, and so much more!

[Carmen Portillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was an arc reader for both this book and the first book in this series and let me tell you I cannot wait for more!!!! I absolutely loved “The Rose in the Shadows” and this book did not disappoint. Instead of continuing after the first book this book follows each of the supporting characters in the first book so we can get to know them better. I was most eager to read Camila’s backstory to better understand her characters decisions in the first book. However, I found myself itching to read Iris’s story; every time the chapter would switch to another character I was like “noooo”. Nikolai is ENTHRALLING 🥵 like how could he be any hotter!!! I have read lots of switching POV stories but this isn’t just POV these are 5 totally different stories that don’t really interact. I didn’t love that because some characters stories were slower than others and the constant switch would mess up my reading flow, but at the same time then I did find myself eager to get back to the stories I favored, so I read more. At first I didn’t love Kent or Rankor’s stories but as they progressed I was soooo invested. The only story I struggled to jump into was Lorelei’s. I just think it’s because she isn’t as much of an exciting, action paced character who has some mysterious personality. Overall, I loved this book and cannot wait to see what happens next!

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I can’t adequately review this book without discussing The Rose in The Shadows, Thea and Clay’s story! It is the first book in The House of Hyrax series and an absolute must read, especially if you like the Found Family trope!

If you do love Found Family, To the Edge of Athenia is all about the Found Family! This prequel focuses on the backstories of all Clay’s friends, who are a huge part of The Rose in the Shadows and honestly make the story.

You can certainly read The Rose in the Shadows without reading To the Edge of Athenia, although I don’t think you’d want to! I absolutely would not recommend reading To the Edge of Athenia without reading the other first. There’s a ton of character development that you need from The Rose in the Shadows to really understand them in To the Edge of Athenia.

That being said, I highly recommend this prequel! It makes me so excited to keep reading the series! I love the background of all the characters, especially Iris and Nikolai. And Camilla…wow. All I can say is wow. She’s such a complicated character and this book explains so much of why she is the way she is!

Arcadia is a fantastic new indie author and her world-building is fantastic. So excited to read more of this series! This prequel was just a tease of what’s to come!

[Kaitlyn Raasveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hard review for me. Let me start off by saying i really enjoyed the concept and the story itself. It’s so in depth and the world is large and expansive and the characters are all unique and fun to read about. On the other hand, the firs like 10 chapters were just information dumps. Theres 5 main characters and you have to meet them all and all their points of view are in there. Now like i said I liked this book, i don’t usually mind a lot of information because i like very large worlds, but the information made it very hard for me to focus. It was like meeting so many new characters when ive never been introduced to the world before and then having to remember who everyone was, and trying to keep them all straight. NOW, the story was wonderful. They fight for their home and put their lives on the line and go on this wonderful and epic adventure and there’s drama, angst, spice and all the good things i look for in a book. I would just go into this knowing it is a LOT of information all at once. Once you can get past that though it is so worth it keep reading and the story took me on a wonderful ride.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ARC received in exchange for my honest review]

This was just a lovely sweet introduction to what five of the main characters were doing immediately before The Rose in the Shadows kicks off with its massive bang. From an assassin being sent on her first mission, to a man reuniting with his childhood sweetheart on her wedding day and two brothers learning to bond and care for one another, this book was full of hope, warmth, found family and even a little bit of spice!

I’m utterly obsessed with Nikolai and Lorelai, and if it’s even possible, this book made me fall even more in love with Kent and Rankor. And surprising it even made me feel a little bit of sympathy towards Camilla? (I’m still not a fan of her though!)

I would really recommend both this and The Rose in the Shadows to any fantasy lover. From Gods at war to dragons, court secrets, magic and beyond, this series really has everything and I’m impatiently waiting for The Crown of the Dark Prince that comes out next year!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Arcadia Rayne!!

The found family element of her debut novel A Rose In The Shadows was one of my favorite parts of the whole book and getting to go back in this time for this prequel novella was so fun.

Getting to understand our supporting cast of characters better and learning about each of their backstories more was a perfect way to give us more of glimpse into the world of Athenia before book 2 of the House of Hyrax series comes out.

I hope Arcadia continues to give these characters time to shine through out this series!!

At this point I’m obsessed with way Arcadia writes and I will be auto buying her books whenever they are released. She is skilled at crafting a characters that feel real in such a fantastical world!!

I’d highly recommend reading both RITS and To The Edge of Athenia!

[Gloria Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“To the Edge of Athenia” is an absolute must-read. It’s the prequel to “The Rose in the Shadows” and helps us dive a bit deeper into the backstory of the group of friends we come to know in TRITS, offering an insightful look into their lives prior.

The multiple POV format was a major highlight for me. I found myself enamored with one character’s thoughts in particular. Their voice just hit differently, and it added a layer to the story I didn’t know I needed. The events of the story pull you in instantly, and Arcadia’s descriptive language is too-notch.

I loved Iris and Rankor so much. The way their stories unfold made me feel every emotion, but I also I found myself developing empathy for another character I hadn’t really connected with in TRITS. That’s the magic of this prequel; it makes you see everything in a new light.

Also, I just have to say… Clayyyyyyyy 🔥. Need I say more?

Cannot wait to re-visit Athenia in the next book!

[Erin Saulpaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book written by Arcadia Rayne. She did not disappoint. Her writing is so descriptive that you forget that your reading a book.. there are creatures and forests and magic that feels real and possible. This book is a multiple POV. That is my favorite type of read I really like being able to know what the characters are thinking as well.
She did an amazing job with the character building. There were twists and turns that I was not expecting... what a good read. I need more lol. I wish I could live in this book. I hear the 1st book in the series is amazing. I'm so greatful that this was a prequel. This was a novella and also a quick read. I now can't wait to read the first book. I have an e-copy of this book. I will be getting a paper back for both books.
When I have read indie authors books, I like to show them off on my tiktok page and I also like to highlight the books...
This is a must buy for me.
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[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the Edge of Athenia is a different take on a romance story, and I found that I actually enjoyed reading this amazing story. To the Edge of Athenia is the first book that I have read by author Arcadia Rayne and her writing is exceptional. The storyline kept me interested to find out what was going to happen next. Although the ending of the book had me a little confused about what happened. However, I still loved this book, the story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it. I definitely would encourage readers to checkout this entertaining story. I’m looking forward to seeing what will be next for this author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚔️ARC REVIEW ⚔️

This novella- 4/5

Only reason it’s a 4 not a 5 is because the action and the world/emotion shattering was all towards the last 20% of the book. Leaving its readers broken and amazed at the fates of our beloved characters face that lead into a well written start of the House of Hyrax Series!

Camilla- a heart breaking past

Iris- leaves your head spinning and fanning yourself

Kent- makes you want to just run after him

Lorelai- fun adventures of a royal court member

Rankor- just solid as always

Overall the prequel we needed to The Rose in the Shadows.

**Thank you to Arcadia Rayne & Bookfunnel for this ARC honor. **

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

To the Edge of Athenia is a novella to The Rose in the Shadows and the House of Hyrax series. I absolutely loved the first book and couldn't wait for the second book to come out! So I was really excited when I saw she wrote a novella following the characters stories from before the events in the first book. This book was the perfect addition and helped build character development/background that you didn't get in the first book.
It is a multi POV (Lorelei, Camilla, Iris, Kent and Rankor) book. It can be kind of difficult to follow because there are so many characters and it jumps between each one. So you really have to remember all the little details while it jumps around. However, each persons story is very well written and a lot of fun to read! And you get the bonus of reading about Nikolai 😅

Thank you to Arcadia Rayne for sending me and ARC copy of this book 🥰